A Soaring Season: The Incredible, Inspiring Story of the 2003–04 Saint Joseph’s Hawks
Join us for a special book talk with author and sports journalist Aaron Bracy as he discusses his new book, A Soaring Season: The Incredible, Inspiring Story of the 2003–04 Saint Joseph’s Hawks (Brookline)!
Through extensive research and more than 100 interviews with 90 individuals, Bracy brings to life the remarkable journey of the 2003–04 Saint Joseph’s University men’s basketball team. Led by coach Phil Martelli and Chester legends Jameer Nelson—Saint Joseph’s all-time leading scorer and the team’s star point guard—and Dwayne Jones, a dominant three-year starter who led the Hawks in rebounding and blocked shots each season from 2002 to 2005, this underdog team overcame significant challenges—including underrecruitment, limited funding, and underwhelming facilities—to achieve an unforgettable season. Against all odds, they finished the regular season undefeated at 27-0 and became the No. 1-ranked team in the country.
This is more than a basketball story; it’s a testament to resilience, teamwork, and belief. Over 20 years later, the legacy of the 2003–04 Hawks continues to resonate—not just with sports fans, but with anyone who appreciates stories of perseverance and triumph. And Bracy believes their remarkable journey can inspire people again today.
During the event, Bracy will share behind-the-scenes insights from his book, discuss his journey to becoming an author and achieving his lifelong dream, and offer a glimpse into his research and writing process. As a longtime advocate for libraries and a former library employee, he will also reflect on the profound impact books and libraries have had on his life and career.
No registration is required, and all ages are welcome!
The event will include book giveaways; however, if you would like to grab your copy now, please click here.
About the Author:
Aaron Bracy is a longtime Philadelphia sports journalist with nearly 30 years of experience as a sportswriter and editor. He began his career as an undergraduate at Saint Joseph’s University, covering sports for the student newspaper and broadcasting games on the student radio station. He has reported on high school, college, and professional sports for publications including the Main Line Times, Trenton Times, Courier-Post, and The Trentonian. Since 2008, he has been a freelance contributor to the Associated Press, covering the Philadelphia 76ers, Flyers, Eagles, Phillies, and college basketball. His website, Big5Hoops.com, is a key source for coverage of the Big 5 basketball programs: Drexel, La Salle, Penn, Saint Joseph’s, Temple, and Villanova.